An RNA Chemical Phosphorylation Reagent Based on the “DMT-On” Strategy

We present a new phosphorylation reagent built around a dihydroxyacetone core. DNA and, more interestingly, RNA can be easily phosphorylated by using a protocol similar to that routinely employed in the synthesis of unmodified nucleic acids. The well-known advantages associated with the dimethoxytrityl group (on-resin monitoring by trityl cation assay, delayed retention on HPLC, simple deprotection steps, and the use of equipment commonly found in oligo laboratories) are thus maintained.